PhD in Korea&East Asia Studies

Sogang University's doctoral program in Korea and East Asia Studies, based in Mapo-gu, South Korea, examines the politics, economies, societies, and international relations of Korea and its neighboring countries. Students in the Graduate School of International Studies take advanced coursework in East Asian political economy, regional security, comparative politics, and historical and contemporary Korean studies, then design an original research project for the doctoral dissertation. Common research areas include inter-Korean relations, the foreign policies of China, Japan, and Korea, regional trade and security cooperation, and the domestic political and economic institutions that shape East Asian states. Because all coursework is conducted in English, the program brings together students from many countries who bring comparative perspectives to the study of the region. Graduates go on to work as analysts and researchers for government ministries, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and think tanks that focus on East Asian affairs, or move into journalism, consulting, and corporate roles that require regional expertise. Others continue into academic careers teaching Korean or East Asian studies. Being located in Seoul gives doctoral candidates direct access to government agencies, research institutes, and cultural institutions relevant to their dissertation topics, along with opportunities to conduct fieldwork and interviews close to the subjects they study. The program runs for two years, and the Graduate School of International Studies opens admissions twice a year, in March and September, so applicants can plan their start date around their own schedules. Students finish the program equipped to conduct independent scholarly research on Korea and East Asia while having developed strong English-language academic and analytical writing skills throughout their studies.